RIYADH, 19 January 2004 — The Ministry of Health will dispatch three health teams to the holy areas by the end of the week. The teams will monitor pilgrims with infectious diseases, see to the environment and sanitation and organize effective health education programs among the pilgrims.
The Director of Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Amin Mishkas, told Arab News that these groups would assist the pilgrims in looking after their health needs. He pointed out that food poisoning, influenza and meningitis are the most common health problems faced by pilgrims. They usually result from pilgrims ignoring basic health rules.
The Ministry of Health is maintaining a round-the clock vigil on incoming pilgrims to identify suspected SARS cases and others infected with other contagious diseases.
The Health Education Department in the ministry will distribute pamphlets in 17 languages to inform the pilgrims of basic health rules. The department has also organized mobile teams to visit the camps of various nationalities to publicize health messages through audio visual aids.
Dr. Mishkas advised pilgrims not to stay in overcrowded areas for a long time. This should reduce the spread of respiratory diseases. Pilgrims have also been requested to wash their hands with soap before meals and after leaving the toilet. The director further said that they be careful to eat only clean food.
Haj visas have been issued to pilgrims on production of vaccination certificates. Pilgrims must also furnish a vaccination certificate against meningitis to be allowed to enter the pilgrimage areas. Vaccination against meningitis are valid for three years and pilgrims have been advised to take the injection at least 10 days before their departure.
